As we commemorate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it becomes increasingly crucial to ensure that the next generation comprehends the immense significance of his contributions. In this regard, the essay contest serves as a remarkable avenue to not only keep his memory alive but also to educate and inspire young minds. By engaging in this contest, we create an opportunity for the youth to delve into the life and teachings of Dr. King, fostering a deeper understanding of his profound impact on civil rights and social justice.
The contest is open to all churches and schools in Monroe City and Ouachita Parish, and Home School Associations. Each student should submit an essay following the given guidelines.
Friday, January 18, 2024, by 5:00 P.M.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest c/o MLK Foundation
Post Office Box 8255 - Monroe, Louisiana 71211-8255
1. HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY
ESSAY FORMAT (Please read carefully)
1. Each essay should be between 50-500 words (as noted in each category, typewritten, double spaced, on white, 8 ½ × 11 paper). Each page should be numbered consecutively. Entries should be stapled securely together, not paper-clipped.
2. Each entry must include a title page (submission form) containing the following information: (This information should appear only on the title page since the essays will be judged with this page removed).
DON'T MISS THE CELEBRATE MLK PARADE ON JANUARY 15, 2024
WHAT TO INCLUDE ON THE SEPARATE TITLE PAGE:
The Title: See your grade category below.
Name, Home Address, Telephone Number, Age, and Grade of Contestant.
Name and address of church and/or Name of School.
Signature and type the full name of the parents.
Signature and type the full name of the church/school official sponsoring the contestant.
Essays must be submitted to the address below by January 12, 2024, by 5:00 P.M.
Students must attach (staple) the enclosed contest submission form to their entry, along with five (5) stapled copies.
Names should NOT be placed anywhere else on the essay (you will be disqualified).
2. WHERE TO SUBMIT
Mail to: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest, c/o MLK Foundation, Post Office Box 8255, Monroe, LA 71211-8255.
You may hand deliver your submission to: Greater New Antioch Baptist Church.
301 Sherrouse Avenue - Monroe, LA. 71203 (See below for additional contact information)
3. ASSISTANCE
The essay should be the work of the student. Parents and teachers may offer suggestions for improvements or corrections, but all writing must be done by the student.
4. CIRTERIA FOR JUDGING:
30% Content - Interpretation and adherence to the subject
30% Expression - Choice of words, imagery, and style Form - Organization, neatness, and presentation
10% Mechanics - Grammar, spelling and punctuation
20% Overall Presentation - Interest, appeal, clarity, and adherence to contest rules
TOTAL: 100%
Essays will be judged carefully, based on these criteria and compliance with the rules of the contest. A panel of four (4) judges will select the final winners. The judges do not know the entrants' names or schools when judging.
5, ESSAY THEMES: Essays must be typed (double-spaced) on white 8 ½ × 11 paper.
*all essay themes are listed below according to grade and category. The excerpts below are derived from the speech. "The Quest for Peace and Justice"
Dr. King gave this speech on December 11, 1964 at the University of Oslo after being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize the day before.
Grades K-2: •Minimum of 50 words but no more than 100
Explain the meaning of Peace and Justice.
Grades 3-5: • Minimum of 75 words but no more than 250
Explain the meaning and significance of the following King quotes:
"Violence ends up defeating itself. It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers: Love is the key to the solution of the problems of the world."
Grades 6-8: • Minimum of 250 words but no more than 350
Explain the meaning and significance of the following King quotes:
"Granted that we face a world crisis which leaves us standing so often amid the surging murmur of life's restless sea. But every crisis has both its dangers and its opportunities. It can spell either salvation or doom. In a dark confused world, the kingdom of God may yet reign in the hearts of men."
Grades 9-12: • Minimum of 300 words but no more than 500
Explain the meaning and significance of the following King quotes:
" Every man lives in two realms, the internal and the external. The internal is that realm of spiritual ends expressed in art, literature, morals, and religion. The external is that complex of devices, techniques, mechanisms, and instrumentalities by means of which we live."
6. AWARDS:
Awards for the top (3) winning essays in each category will be presented at the MLK Celebration & Awards Program on Monday, January 15, 2024: To be held at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church - 211 Mt Zion Road - Monroe, LA.
* Winners must be present at the program or attend virtually to receive their prize.
First Place: $100
Second Place: $50
Third Place: $25
***All individuals will receive an honorable mention
7. PUBLICATION PERMISSION:
By entering the contest, the students give their permission for their essays to be finally formatted and printed in the program for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Celebration and Awards Program as well as to be distributed to the community and the media.
8. PURPOSE AND INTENT OF THE ESSAY CONTEST IS TO:
Provide students an opportunity to learn about Dr. King, his message, and his work. Allow students to reflect on our present and the future considering Dr. King's message. Encourage continued study through awards and events that can inspire students to continue to research with an appreciation of Dr. King.
For additional information contact:
Reverend John Russell, II
(318) 537-5626
Verbon Muhammad
(318) 801-0513
Phillip Snowden
(318) 255-2879
Brenda Wade
(318) 235-3114
